topic Re: question about fitbit in Community Chat

question about fitbit

hennypenny — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:15:33 GMT

If one buys a fitbit do you have to sign up and link to phone or computer in order to just track steps?

I don't want to record my progress. Or monitor anything else.

Re: question about fitbit

gizmogal — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:28:51 GMT

To be able to read your steps you need no link to phone or computer. You can see the stat like steps right on the wrist screen. Only if you want a log or some kind of record keeping or graphing do you need an app to link the data with the metrics and graphics.

You can buy a Fitbit and read your activity data on its screen and be happy without any "connections".

Hope that helps.

Re: question about fitbit

september — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:33:36 GMT

There are lots of different Fitbit products so I think it depends which one you've been gifted.

one of mine gives a lot of data on the screen. The other one, not so much.

Re: question about fitbit

hennypenny — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:36:59 GMT

Oh, yes gizmo it does!

I had a garmin and didn't wear it as it was uncomfortable. I ended up giving it away. I had to go through hoops with the company to get them to delete the info from my acct. I had to close my acct and was told I could not have another.

There was something about the whole process that made me very uneasy.

I will buy a fitbit if I don't have to sign up or link to anything.

How, then, do I get the thing to "start"?

Re: question about fitbit

september — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 04:06:49 GMT

Henny, which model do you have? I have the One and the Charge 2. There are others, and I think one of them (it's a wrist device) doesn't need to be linked to an online account.

ETA: I see you haven't bought one yet. To find out more about their newest products...maybe go to the website help page. Sorry..I have two products but do use the apps.

Re: question about fitbit

gizmogal — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 04:21:39 GMT

"How, then, do I get the thing to "start"?"

Go to the Fitbit website. Find instructions and descriptions for various models. There is a setup sheet that is included with the product. It teaches you how to open the product and make it work and customize your own settings. Your questions are legitimate but you need more education. Fitbits work independently of software but are set up after purchase to suit the user. And yes, different models gave different features. You may have to register your product for warranty purposes, but not be obligated to retain your data anywhere out of your control. Know before you go.

Re: question about fitbit

hennypenny — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 04:42:03 GMT

Thanks giz and September.

I really do have a lot to learn here!

I just found the dealing with garmin to be unsettling and didn't want to go through it again.

there is a new fit bit that is smaller and I thought might be more comfortable. I just didn't want a repeat experience.

I will go to the website and read up on them.

Any other advice is always welcome. I am not very up on techie things.

Re: question about fitbit

enw5002 — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:37:58 GMT

Ok, so you can use a Fitbit device without an account. You can manually see steps, heart rate, etc on the screen during the day. However, you do need an account to set up your device and to receive future software updates. I have the Charge2, and to be able to customize the display you need the app. Its been a while since I created an account with Fitbit (I've been a customer for a few years now) so I can't say how much information they require to make an account. So, I know it's not what you wanted to hear, I just can't think of any other way it can be done.

Re: question about fitbit

Bri21 — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:41:35 GMT

I don't know if you have an iphone or not. If you do, it keeps track of your steps with the Health Icon. You don't need to have an account or log in - just open the icon.

The only thing is you need to carry it with you all day to record your steps.

Re: question about fitbit

Lipstickdiva — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:50:43 GMT

It depends on what type of Fitbit you have.

I bought the Fitbit Flex 2 and you have to sign up for the app in order to see your progress. There is no wrist screen. The only instructions that came with the Flex 2 was to download the app. The app and the wrist device sync together and that is where you see all your progress.

I'm sure there are others just like it out there.

Re: question about fitbit

hennypenny — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 16:39:03 GMT

Hi Bri,

I have been lugging the phone around with me for weeks. It's a royal pain.

Normally we dump the phones on the kitchen table when we come home and rarely check them. The kids know that and call the house phone if there's an emergency.

Lately I have been trying to keep it with me, but if I don't have pockets I am out of luck. Here I must give kudos to Logo!

Re: question about fitbit

Bri21 — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 16:45:14 GMT

@hennypenny, a FitBit is easier than carrying around your phone all day.

Re: question about fitbit

CouponQueen — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 17:11:10 GMT

I have the fitbit alta and you do not have to link to anything..you can - but the fitbit itself has the info on the screen to read..to use it fully like logged sleep...you do but it records steps - calculates into miles....how many calories are burned and active workout minutes - all available by tapping the screen..

Also - it functions as a watch with the time/date displayed first. I don't use mine as a watch..I have it on my opposite wrist. I do have mine sync with my phone..but you do not have to

Re: question about fitbit

SeaMaiden — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 19:13:53 GMT

no, you do not need to log in daily, but you will need to create an account to set up your Fitbit. They do send you a summery of your weeks progress, and they tell you if your battery is low.

Re: question about fitbit

makeup addict — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 02:42:26 GMT

@september How do you like the Charge 2? I have the One, but Charge 2 is on my wish list since it does the heart rate.

Re: question about fitbit

september — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 01:44:05 GMT

@makeup addict I'm liking the Charge 2, but since I also have the One, I alternate them. I think the One is better for tracking all day activities. I switch over to the Charge when I'm going out to exercise. I like being able to see my pulse rate so I can get it up into the fat burning zone.

Re: question about fitbit

hennypenny — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 00:20:52 GMT

I ordered the new little one with the gold plating and pink strap.

If I can't get it to work the way I want I will send it back.

Re: question about fitbit

september — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:07:56 GMT

@hennypenny wrote:
I ordered the new little one with the gold plating and pink strap.
If I can't get it to work the way I want I will send it back.

I'm not sure I know about one that fits this description, but I hope it works for you!

Re: question about fitbit

Lipstickdiva — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 15:28:05 GMT

@september wrote:
@hennypenny wrote:
I ordered the new little one with the gold plating and pink strap.
If I can't get it to work the way I want I will send it back.
I'm not sure I know about one that fits this description, but I hope it works for you!

@september, it's the Fitbit Alta.

Re: question about fitbit

september — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 20:12:31 GMT

@Lipstickdiva wrote:
@september wrote:
@hennypenny wrote:
I ordered the new little one with the gold plating and pink strap.
If I can't get it to work the way I want I will send it back.
I'm not sure I know about one that fits this description, but I hope it works for you!
@september, it's the Fitbit Alta.

Thanks! It looks like a smaller version of the Charge 2, that I have.